After the Fake Heiress Died, She Was Filled with Regret - Chapter 29

Chapter 29: She Was Truly Awful, Just a Kiss…

Xia Shinan had always harbored a faint worry that Tang Yin was only saying they were dating because she felt sorry for her, but at this moment, she felt her heart beating at the same frequency as Tang Yin’s. Besides nervousness, there was more joy.

Tang Yin liked her too.

The motorcycle stopped at the entrance of an alley. The dim yellow streetlights shone on the ground. The surrounding area was filled with old, dilapidated rental houses. Not far away, a truck was loading and unloading discarded items, making noise in the quiet night.

Xia Shinan looked around, her eyes full of curiosity. She had never been to a place like this and could not have imagined Tang Yin and her family living here. A flash of sympathy crossed her heart, but it was Tang Yin’s tenacious vitality that attracted her!

“Do you want to wait here for me? I’ll go up, grab my ID, and come right down,” Tang Yin asked.

They had gone back to the apartment near the university. After Xia Shinan packed her luggage for the next few days, they left. They couldn’t stay there tonight; otherwise, Xie Wan would definitely bring bodyguards the next day and tie Xia Shinan up to take her to the Lin family.

By the same token, borrowing a dorm room at school was out, and Qian Yu’s place was definitely out. So, the only option was to rent a room using Tang Yin’s ID for the next few days.

However, after taking her grandmother to the hospital last time, Tang Yin had left her ID at the rental house and had to return for it.

Xia Shinan, however, held Tang Yin’s hand tightly and shook her head: “I want to go up with you.”

Having just run away from home, only Tang Yin could give her enough sense of security right now, so wherever Tang Yin was, she wanted to be there too.

Tang Yin looked at Xia Shinan’s deer-like eyes. It was late, and she wasn’t comfortable leaving Xia Shinan alone, so she nodded, “Then follow me.”

“Mhm!” Xia Shinan shook their tightly clasped hands, “I won’t let go!”

Tang Yin forced a smile. She felt subtly uneasy. Xia Shinan coming up with her meant that her living environment and all her hardships would be fully exposed to Xia Shinan.

But she also felt a little expectant, wanting Xia Shinan to see it all clearly. After all… this was originally Xia Shinan’s life. What kind of expression would Xia Shinan have when the truth came out and she realized that this dreadful environment was her home?

Walking into the apartment building, Tang Yin let out a soft sound when she realized the hallway sensor light wasn’t working. She had to turn on her phone flashlight, hold Xia Shinan’s hand tightly, told her to watch her step, and slowly went upstairs.

On the third floor, Tang Yin took out the key and opened the door, flashing her most genuine smile at the elderly woman inside: “Grandma.”

Xia Shinan followed behind Tang Yin and immediately saw Tang Yin’s grandmother inside the house. The elderly woman wore washed-out clothes, her hair was gray, and her legs and feet didn’t seem very nimble, but she looked kind and welcoming, smiling as she greeted them, “Yingying is back? Is this… your classmate?”

Tang Yin nodded: “Mhm… my friend.”

Xia Shinan immediately stepped forward with a smile: “Hello, Grandma. I’m Tang Yin’s friend. My name is Xia Shinan.”

“Oh, hello, hello. Come in and sit down quickly. Yingying, really, you didn’t tell me your friend was coming over. I could have prepared some food,” Tang Bixia complained, subtly glancing at Tang Yin. She told Xia Shinan to sit down quickly and slowly walked towards the kitchen.

“Grandma, we just came back to grab something. We have to leave right away. Why bother…” Tang Yin tried to stop the elderly woman, but she became displeased instead.

“What are you saying? You have no manners at all…” Tang Bixia said unhappily. “This is the first time you’ve brought a friend home. You didn’t even say anything beforehand!” She finished and then smiled, asking Xia Shinan, “Little one, do you want sweet soup?”

“Grandma, you don’t have to trouble yourself. I don’t need anything to drink,” Xia Shinan quickly said.

Little one? Xia Shinan felt a warmth in her heart from the address.

She always felt grown up, but in the eyes of the elderly woman, both she and Tang Yin were still just little ones.

Tang Bixia didn’t agree: “You must have some, you must have some. Have a bowl of sweet soup before you go…”

“Grandma, you sit down. I’ll get it.” Tang Yin was quick, rushing into the kitchen to pour a bowl of sweet soup for Xia Shinan, “My grandma makes this every day. It’s kept in the fridge, and it’s especially refreshing to drink in the summer.”

Xia Shinan took the bowl with both hands and smiled brightly: “I know. You brought some for me last time. It’s delicious.”

Tang Yin was surprised and cleared her throat unnaturally, “I’m going to get my things.”

Tang Bixia found Xia Shinan to be such a well-behaved girl and was quite pleased. She was also surprised that the sweet soup her granddaughter had specially put in a thermos last time was for her.

“Are you and Yingying good friends?”

“Mhm!” Xia Shinan nodded, her gaze fixed on Tang Yin’s figure as she entered the bedroom. She smiled: “Tang Yin is so nice. She’s a really great girl! And she’s good to her classmates, understanding, and always willing to help everyone…”

Whenever she talked about Tang Yin, she had an endless supply of adjectives.

“Is that so…” Tang Bixia was very happy. “Yingying is just a little shy and reserved. I rarely hear her talk about friends, let alone bring one home. I was worried she didn’t have any friends, but seeing you reassures me. You two must get along well. If she bullies you, you tell Grandma…”

“She wouldn’t bully me.” Xia Shinan recalled their interactions. Except for when they kissed and she always felt short of breath, everything else was perfect.

She lowered her head and whispered, “Tang Yin treats me very well.”

Tang Yin came out with her ID card. She saw them chatting, and her grandmother was even laughing heartily. She couldn’t help but stand still in the doorway.

Just as Tang Yin thought, everything she had experienced should have been experienced by Xia Shinan, but it also meant that her grandmother… should also be Xia Shinan’s grandmother.

If Grandma found out in the future, would she like herself or Xia Shinan more?

“Tang Yin…”

Xia Shinan looked up and saw the girl frozen by the door, looking lost, “What’s wrong?”

Tang Yin pursed her lips and shook her head, “I got the things. Let’s go.”

“Oh…” Xia Shinan quickly said goodbye to the elderly woman: “Grandma, I’ll come to see you again next time. Thank you for the sweet soup. You should rest early!”

“Okay, be careful on your way back to school.” Tang Bixia really wanted to keep them there, but there was only so much space at home. Staying would only be an inconvenience. As she saw them out, she reminded Tang Yin: “Yingying, be good to Shinan.”

“Tang Yin, wait for me!” Xia Shinan didn’t know what was wrong with Tang Yin. She was walking downstairs unusually fast, and Xia Shinan couldn’t see the path under her feet at all. She had to find her phone to turn on the flashlight.

The next second, Tang Yin turned on her flashlight, standing on a lower stair and looking up at her: “Let’s go.”

“Okay.” Xia Shinan quietly followed her downstairs. She bit her lip, carefully thinking about what she had done wrong, or what inappropriate words she had said that made Tang Yin unhappy.

But… nothing happened.

But Tang Yin was walking in front of her, no longer holding her hand. The flashlight illuminated the path under her feet, yet Xia Shinan felt she still couldn’t see the way forward, just as she couldn’t see into Tang Yin’s heart.

The two walked all the way to the hotel. Tang Yin checked them into a room, routinely checked for cameras, made sure the windows were securely closed, and turned on the air conditioning.

“Get some rest early. I’ll pick you up first thing tomorrow morning,” Tang Yin said, intending to leave.

“Tang Yin!” Xia Shinan called out to her as she was about to walk out the door, walking up to hug Tang Yin from behind. “Did I do something wrong? Please tell me.”

Tang Yin was startled and subconsciously said, “No.”

“Then why are you unhappy?” Xia Shinan held onto her arm tightly. “You’ve been quiet since we left your house. Your serious expression makes me nervous.”

The time when Tang Yin stood up for her roommate, Tang Yin’s attitude made her feel bad for a long time, but it was indeed her fault. What about this time? What did she do wrong now?

Tang Yin sighed after a few seconds of silence, turned around, and held her hand, “I am a little upset, but… it has nothing to do with you.”

“Why?” Xia Shinan didn’t understand. She had repeatedly thought about it all the way there. Everything was fine before they entered the house, and then it changed when they left. There had to be a reason!

Tang Yin paused, then spoke softly: “Perhaps, it’s some sort of self-esteem issue of my own.”

Self-esteem? Xia Shinan immediately understood.

“I’m sorry…” She shouldn’t have insisted on going upstairs with Tang Yin. Perhaps Tang Yin wasn’t satisfied with her living environment, and being seen by her girlfriend made her feel uncomfortable.

“We’ll both get better and better in the future!” Xia Shinan was clumsy with words, so she could only say this, hugging Tang Yin again.

“Okay,” Tang Yin responded quietly. “Then you rest well tonight. I’ll pick you up early tomorrow morning, and we’ll go to the meeting place together.”

“Mhm!” Xia Shinan looked up and lightly kissed Tang Yin on the corner of the mouth, smiling at her.

Tang Yin chuckled and kissed her on the cheek.

Leaving the hotel, Tang Yin rode the motorcycle to find Qian Yu, returned the bike to her, and then went back to her dorm.

By the time she returned, it was almost 11:30 PM. Fortunately, since the holiday had started, the dorms didn’t turn off the lights, and normal washing up was fine.

Only she was in the four-person dorm room now. Tang Yin took a shower but didn’t go to sleep, sitting on the balcony, enjoying the breeze and looking at the moon.

There was no such thing as a “self-esteem issue,” but that was all she could say.

Aside from approaching Xia Shinan, she had always been straightforward in her actions. Even that dilapidated rental house was earned by her and her grandmother’s hard work, and she didn’t find anything shameful about it.

It’s just that all the way, those thoughts kept popping into her head. If the person who had been by her grandmother’s side all along was Xia Shinan, would her grandmother be happier? Would her grandmother prefer the well-behaved and lovely Xia Shinan?

Thinking of this, the frustration in Tang Yin’s heart was impossible to disperse, and she felt like she was truly losing it.

She was jealous that Xia Shinan had been well-fed and well-clothed since childhood, living the comfortable life that was supposed to be hers, yet she was also sulking over this crazy thought.

Her mind was like a ball of yarn played with by a cat, utterly tangled.

“Tang Yin, Tang Yin, you’re crazy!” She mocked herself, finally turning off the light and going to sleep.

The next day.

The first rays of morning sun shone into the window. A cool breeze swept across her cheek, ushering in a brand new day with the crisp chirping of birds, signaling the start of the holiday.

Tang Yin didn’t sleep in. She washed up early, ate breakfast at the cafeteria, and bought Xia Shinan’s favorite bread and milk before going to the hotel to pick her up.

“Morning. Did you sleep well?”

Today, Xia Shinan was wearing a white puff-sleeved shirt, light blue jeans, and canvas shoes. Her hair was tied into a braid at the back, making her look youthful, beautiful, and utterly pure.

“Mhm, okay,” Xia Shinan nodded in response, but in reality, she hadn’t slept well last night either.

She thought a lot…

She realized that she truly, deeply liked Tang Yin, more than when they first started. So, every look, every smile, every silence, or frown from Tang Yin tightly held her heart. She even felt a little insecure. Having just gotten together with Tang Yin, she was already afraid that they would separate one day, or that Tang Yin would stop liking her.

She would be careful to protect Tang Yin’s self-esteem in the future and wouldn’t let her be unhappy. The more Xia Shinan thought about it, the more awake she became. She was even bored enough to check her old New Year’s money and pocket money. Although it might not be enough to buy a very big or luxurious house, if she graduated in the future, she could still buy a small home.

Inside would be her, Tang Yin, and Tang Yin’s grandmother.

Thinking of this, she was startled by herself. How long had she and Tang Yin been together? She was already fantasizing about their future.

Xia Shinan tried hard to shake off the random thoughts from last night. She walked over to Tang Yin and held her slightly cool hand: “I… I dreamed about you last night. I missed you a little.”

Tang Yin smiled, gently squeezing her fingers, “What a coincidence, me too. That’s why I came over first thing this morning and brought you breakfast. Want to eat before we go?”

She dreamed about her too?

Xia Shinan smiled very happily: “Okay.”

After breakfast, the two walked together to the bus stop outside the school, waiting for Duan Xiaofei and the others, and then boarded the pre-arranged commercial van together.

“I watched the bloopers from our shoot last night. I couldn’t bear to delete any of the clips. They’re all classics,” Duan Xiaofei chatted incessantly, going on and on about how good the filming was and how the first place would definitely belong to A University this time.

Tail was slumped next to her, unable to catch up on sleep: “President, if you were quiet right now, took a nap, and had a dream, then first place would definitely be yours.”

Duan Xiaofei pinched her neck, “Are you saying us getting first place is a dream? Humph! Little Tail, watch me get you!”

“You’re the little one, you’re the little one!”

Hearing the commotion in front, Xia Shinan couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh from the back seat.

Tang Yin, who was dozing, opened her eyes and asked softly, “What are you laughing at?”

Xia Shinan leaned in close to her ear and whispered: “Don’t you think they might be a couple too?”

Are they? Tang Yin glanced at them, smiled, “Just realized? I’ve known for a while.”

“Ah…”

Qian Yu knew, Tang Yin knew, and she was the only one who couldn’t tell?

Fang Yue was the last to get on the van, sitting in the passenger seat. She could see Tang Yin and Xia Shinan whispering in the rear-view mirror, leaning close to each other, and their hands intertwined…

She was right! Tang Yin really did like Xia Shinan!

What about Xia Shinan? Didn’t Xia Shinan say she and Tang Yin were just friends?

Why did they look like they were… far beyond just friendship!

The car reached its destination, and everyone was amazed by the scenery as they got out.

This place was completely different from the city. With green hills and clear waters, a breath of fresh, cool air could be felt the moment they stepped out. There were crisp bird calls and the sound of water in the distance.

“It’s so comfortable. I feel like I’m finally alive!!”

“There’s a lake over there! Let’s go fishing in the afternoon and grill what we catch for dinner!”

“No problem, no problem. Let’s go check in first!”

Everyone excitedly went to check out the accommodations, picking rooms and roommates.

Duan Xiaofei arranged: “Tail and I will share a room. Shinan, you and Tang Yin…”

“I’ll share a room with Senior Tang!” Fang Yue interrupted, then nervously glanced at Duan Xiaofei, “I also want to talk to Senior Tang about something, and… Senior Xia must be sharing a room with Senior Qian, right?”

Duan Xiaofei pursed her lips and didn’t speak. She knew her cousin’s intentions, but as an outsider, she could also tell that Tang Yin had absolutely no romantic interest in her cousin.

Her cousin was also quick-tempered. If she suddenly confessed, the loss would outweigh the gain. But what she said was true; Xia Shinan should be sharing a room with Qian Yu.

Xia Shinan was stunned, unsure how to respond. Qian Yu was her best friend. Logically speaking, they should indeed share a room.

But unexpectedly, Tang Yin grabbed her suitcase and walked towards a room, “Xia Shinan and I will share a room. Didn’t we say we need to film some extra scenes? It’ll be convenient for us to go over our lines at night if we share a room.”

“As for Qian Yu…” She curved her lips into a smile: “Whose fault is it that she’s a sleepyhead and only coming this afternoon?”

Xia Shinan stifled a smile and finally nodded, “Mhm!”

With that, Duan Xiaofei didn’t say much more. She gave Fang Yue a look and let her stay with another girl from the club.

After everyone dropped off their bags, they went off to their separate activities.

Tail was focused on going fishing by the lake, announcing that she would catch a few fish for dinner. She quickly dragged Duan Xiaofei out after putting all her things down.

Duan Xiaofei looked at Fang Yue, who was standing by the window but whose eyes were fixed on the door of their room, and couldn’t help but call out, “Fang Yue, come fishing with us!”

Tail also realized and shouted: “Yeah, yeah! Come fishing. You can also ride bikes over there. It’s great.”

“But…” Fang Yue was unhappy. She wanted to find a chance to talk to Tang Yin again, but Duan Xiaofei dragged her away. In the end, she could only reluctantly take one last look at that room door.

Inside the room, the white sheer curtains swayed gently in the breeze. On the floor were two backpacks and a phone resting by the bed.

Xia Shinan tightly wrapped her arms around Tang Yin’s waist, closing her eyes to feel the passionate kiss.

After entering the room, Xia Shinan brought up the issue of Fang Yue, feeling guilty toward her.

“Feelings are mutual. Even if we weren’t together, I wouldn’t like her. Why feel guilty?” Tang Yin put her things down and pulled Xia Shinan to sit on the bed, “We should be happy during the holiday, okay? We won’t go back until tomorrow. Are we going to be unhappy all day?”

Xia Shinan looked at Tang Yin’s face and nodded, “You’re right.”

Then she thought for a moment, couldn’t help but lean in and kiss Tang Yin on the lips, whispering, “A kiss makes me a little happier.”

Tang Yin looked at the shy yet proactive Xia Shinan, her heart stirring. She gripped Xia Shinan’s wrist and pulled her into her arms, “What’s the point of a quick peck?”

Their lips pressed tightly together, repeatedly exchanging breaths, as if they were originally one.

But after just a moment, Xia Shinan again went limp in Tang Yin’s arms, closing her eyes in shyness.

She was truly awful. She was so bad at kissing, or perhaps Tang Yin was just too good at it… Thinking of this, Xia Shinan looked up, her eyes misty: “Tang Yin, have you dated anyone before?”

Otherwise, how could she be so good at kissing, completely unlike her?

Tang Yin shook her head: “My mind used to be focused only on studying and part-time jobs. I didn’t bother with romance.”

Xia Shinan bit her lip, “Then why now…”

Tang Yin suddenly avoided looking directly into her tender eyes. She rubbed her hair, covering her eyes, then slowly said: “Because I met you.”

Having said that, she kissed those moist lips again.

Only when the phone rang did Tang Yin let go of Xia Shinan. She picked up her phone and saw it was Qian Yu calling.

“What is it?”

“Where are you guys? I’m at the entrance, and I don’t see anyone familiar. I can’t reach Shinan on the phone either!”

Tang Yin chuckled softly, “Got it. I’m coming out to get you right away. Wait a moment.”

She hung up the phone and looked at the blushing Xia Shinan, “Qian Yu is here.”

“Oh, okay!” Xia Shinan was still dazed. She stood up but suddenly felt something odd and quickly went to the bathroom.

After a few minutes, Xia Shinan came out of the bathroom, her face even redder than before.

“What’s wrong?” Tang Yin walked up to her, concerned.

Xia Shinan shook her head, then uncharacteristically said: “Go pick up Little Feather. Just tell her I suddenly have a stomach ache and need to rest a bit before coming out.”

Tang Yin found it strange, but Xia Shinan turned and went back into the bathroom, so Tang Yin didn’t suspect anything. After a couple of reminders, she went out to pick up Qian Yu.

Hearing the door close outside, Xia Shinan finally let out a long sigh of relief.

Although she was strictly monitored, having a friend like Qian Yu since childhood meant she still knew some physiological knowledge.

But she hadn’t expected such a strong reaction from just kissing Tang Yin…

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